headlight correction with rotary polisher

[Timmsy]

So I've read through the Headlight correction without PC polisher and there is some good advice but I'm tempted to give it a go this weekend with my brother in-laws rotary and some 3M products.

Just looking to make sure this procedure/steps would be ok?

Wet and dry sand papers - 1200 - 1500 - 2000, possibly 3000? by hand? or should i use the sanding discs with the rotary?
3M Fast Cut Plus
3M Extra Fine
3M Ultrafina SE

Followed by a choice of sealant?

 

[Coops Mk1]

use the rotary for the sanding as well, quicker and easier. just be careful of the paintwork around the lights when you do the edges as the sanding discs will pull the rotary about a bit.

triple or quad tape the paintwork to be safe

 

[Scrooge]

I got at it with

1200
1500
2000
2500

compound then a finish so your steps would be fine imo

I definitely wouldn't use sanding discs on the rotary, you need to feel the light as you're rubbing down.

 

[Timmsy]

Thanks guys
Will use up plenty of his 3M tape that he moans about being so expensive

Next question.... 3M products... Are they actually any good for this type of thing or should i just take my Scratch X along with me?

 

[Dave..]

1500 grit is the lowest you should go down to. It takes an age to get them back from 1200 grit.

I'd also avoid using the rotary to sand them, you'll end up leaving deep marks that take forever to get out.

wet and dry at 1500 and take your time.

 

[Coops Mk1]

I had no issues at all using the 3m kit on the drill, perhaps that's less brutal than a true rotary then?

 

[Lee coley]

I started with 500, then 1000 then 2000,30 mins each light

 

[JD]

Lol. Get the 500 from a wood shop?! Far too coarse a grade for plastic headlights!!

 

[Timmsy]

Lol. Get the 500 from a wood shop?! Far too coarse a grade for plastic headlights!!

indeed!! would never go 500! i thought 1200 would be pushing it so just went for 1500 then 2000 in the end, worked out a treat!

Before

After

 

[Yellow Dave]

I started with 500, then 1000 then 2000,30 mins each light

you can look at 500g being pointless in two ways.

one it adds more sanding to remove the marks incurred by the 500grit

two the plastic would have to be seriously pitted or damaged, not just UV damage and hazing before you would need anything even close to 500grit.

ie you made more work for yourself, and probably removed more of the headlight plastic than needed

 

[Chi]

indeed!! would never go 500! i thought 1200 would be pushing it so just went for 1500 then 2000 in the end, worked out a treat!

Before

After

Looks great, wish I hadn't sold my kit now lol

 

[Timmsy]

Looks great, wish I hadn't sold my kit now lol

It really did come up well, that was just after the first pass with the rotary and 3M Fast Cut Plus.

Did 2 passes then polished with just some AG SRP, will re-polish and then seal this weekend with something decent i think.

 

[Lee coley]

I DA'd them wet with 500. It removes the same amount as 1500 but 3 times quicker with a better result.

 

[Lee coley]

you can look at 500g being pointless in two ways.

one it adds more sanding to remove the marks incurred by the 500grit

two the plastic would have to be seriously pitted or damaged, not just UV damage and hazing before you would need anything even close to 500grit.

ie you made more work for yourself, and probably removed more of the headlight plastic than needed

Its what I do for a living, (vehicle restoration)

 

[Chi]

How much would you charge to do my headlights?

 

[JD]

I DA'd them wet with 500. It removes the same amount as 1500 but 3 times quicker with a better result.

That's the best laugh I've had in years. Thank you.

Its what I do for a living, (vehicle restoration)

Good God, I hope not. What's your company name?

How much would you charge to do my headlights?

I'd stay away. Give me a shout over the Xmas break and I'll come and see the Alpina and do the lights required at the same time. Swap a test drive for the lights.

 

[Chi]

That's the best laugh I've had in years. Thank you.



Good God, I hope not. What's your company name?



I'd stay away. Give me a shout over the Xmas break and I'll come and see the Alpina and do the lights required at the same time. Swap a test drive for the lights.

Deal